I have been a big Mitford fan since I read the first book in the series, many years ago. I love how she makes all these characters come to life and you feel as if they are real people. Over the years I have read all about Esther Bolick's Orange Marmalade cake and wondered what it tasted like.
Right before Christmas, I made a quick stop at our local library and while there I popped into the little used book store. I found this gem and another Mitford Christmas book called The Mitford Snowmen. They are both just short stories, but a sweet read non the less.
I am sure you can guess what this one is about...
In the back is the recipe and instructions for baking this cake. I just had to try it, so I bought all the ingredients. They sat in my cupboards for a few weeks until Saturday.
Saturday I got out the cake flour, which I had never used before...
I baked the cake in two 9 inch pans and after a bit of cooling, poked a bunch of holes in them to pour the orange syrup (orange juice and sugar) over the cake and let it soak in.
I warmed up the Orange Marmalade...
I put marmalade on one cake and stacked the two layers of cake...
I whipped whipping cream, sugar and sour cream together to use as a frosting...put it in the fridge to chill for 2 hours and then after our family worship time last night, we tasted it!
It was delicious and today Becky and Pastor Mike each had some and really liked it too. Is it thud worthy? I don't know...I actually love Becky's mother in laws' lemon blueberry cake better, I think. But this is one delicious cake.
So Mitford fans, there you have it. Esther Bolick made these for special occasions and for Christmas gifts, and I made ours to have with our evening tea after dinner.
Let me know if you want the recipe and if you have tried it and liked it - or didn't like it!
ps - Focus on the Family's Radio Theater has a wonderful audio drama of some of the Mitford books combined. My kids love them, and loved getting to try Esther's cake last night!
9 comments:
It sure does look good!
I've never been able to get into those books. I've tried because everyone always recommends them so.
Mitford is one of the best reads out there for sure! I have always wondered what Esther's cake would take like. Your cake is lovely so fluffy and light looking. ~My fam also loves the Radio theater version, we listen on long road trips. Lord Bless you all. tammy
It was very good. I agree that very little can surpass Georgia's recipe...that is just at the top of the list. However, when one thinks of orange marmalade they usually think strong or bitter...this is neither. It is a very pleasant amount of orange flavor and the icing is amazing. I'm not a fan of the traditional cake icing...but I loved this one!!
Since I am not a fan of marmalade, this cake does not tempt, but it sure looks pretty and I do love Mitford and all its characters. I feel as if I know them because someone just like each of them lives in my own community. Ha!
Oh, this cake looks wonderful (I do love marmalade), but it looks very rich. I could probably talk myself in to eating a small piece. Okay...not probably...definitely!
Yay for you for trying the recipe! I always loved how she had a signature cake that she took to people and events. The orange marmalade never sounded like a favorite flavor for me. I guess I'm too much of a chocolate fan. Your cake is beautiful and it looks yummy! The Mitford books are definitely some of my favorites!
Oh how fun! I love the Mitford series! And I have always wondered what the cake tasted like. Now I at least know what it looks like. Thank you! Blessings to you this Tuesday!
I would love a slice, best get baking!
Halo!
I´m brazilian and I live in Germany.
I was searching in Internet about Esther Bolick´s Cake. I found your page!
Thank you!
I´am a big fan of Mitford.
God bless you.
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